IMPORTANT NOTE The following information
is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
TITLE TRIAMCINOLONE ACETONIDE - NASAL
HOW TO PRONOUNCE (try-am-SIN-oh-lone uh-SET-oh-nide)
COMMON BRAND NAMES Nasacort
USES This is a nasal steroid that works directly on nasal tissue
to reduce swelling and inflammation. It is used to treat nasal
itching, runny nose, postnasal drip, nasal congestion and sneezing
associated with allergic rhinitis.
HOW TO TAKE To get the most benefit from this medication, make
sure you understand how to use the nasal spray properly. Ask your
doctor or pharmacist to demonstrate the correct way to use a nasal
spray. Shake well before using. The medication must reach the
nasal tissue to be effective. Therefore, blow your nose to clear
the nasal passage before using the medication. If passages are
blocked, a nasal decongestant may be used first (for a maximum
of 3 to 5 days) to open the passages allowing proper penetration
of the medication. Be sure to aim spray away from the middle of
the nose, that is, away from the nasal septum and toward the inflamed
areas inside the nasal passages. Use this medication exactly as
prescribed. It must be used routinely to be effective. Do not
increase your dose or use this more frequently than directed without
your doctor's approval. It may take a few days before the benefits
of the medication are noticed. If after 2 to 3 weeks no improvement
in symptoms is noticed, consult your doctor. Use this medication
with caution if sores or injuries are present in the nasal passages.
SIDE EFFECTS This medication may cause irritation, stinging, burning,
or dryness of the nasal passages. Sneezing, nosebleed, headache,
lightheadedness, loss of taste, throat irritation or nausea may
also occur. If these effects continue or become bothersome, inform
your doctor. Unlikely but report promptly: persistent nose or
throat irritation/soreness, white patchy areas. Very unlikely
but report promptly: broken or damaged nasal membranes, unusual
weakness, weight loss, nausea/vomiting, fainting, dizziness, vision
changes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS This medication should be used with caution if the
following medical conditions exist: glaucoma, herpes-type infection
of the eye, infection, recent nasal surgery or existing nasal
sores, liver disease, tuberculosis, underactive thyroid, allergies
to corticosteroids. Though very unlikely, it is possible this
medication will be absorbed into your bloodstream. This may have
undesirable consequences that may require additional corticosteroid
treatment. This is especially true for children and for those
who have used this for an extended period if they also have serious
medical problems such as serious infections, injuries or surgeries.
This precaution applies for up to one year after stopping use
of this drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Caution is advised when using this drug in children. Though it
is unlikely to occur with intranasal steroids (triamcinolone),
this medication may temporarily slow down a child's rate of growth,
but it will probably not affect final adult height. Monitor your
child's height periodically. This medication should be used only
when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits
with your doctor. It is unknown if this form of triamcinolone
is excreted into breast milk. Other dosage forms of triamcinolone
are excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
medication you use, especially of: other nasal products. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center at or emergency room immediately.
NOTES If no improvement in your symptoms is noted after 3 weeks
of using this medication, notify your doctor. Another medication
may be needed or the dose may need adjusting. Inform all your
doctors you use, or have used, this medication. Watering or itching
eyes often associated with allergies are not significantly relieved
by this medication. Each canister contains approximately 100-120
sprays.
MISSED DOSE If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered;
do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip
the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
"double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
Avoid freezing.
